Dry Eye Syndrome in Corona, CA

Dry Eye Syndrome

One of the most common vision complaints we hear about, especially with our dryer climate here in the TriCounty area, is dry eye syndrome (DES).

Patients with DES produce fewer tears and the quality of those tears is compromised. The main symptom of dry eye is typically a scratchy or sandy feeling as if something is in the eye. Other symptoms may include stinging or burning of the eye, episodes of excess tearing and pain, and redness of the eye. While these symptoms often cause vision to blur, loss of vision from dry eye syndrome is uncommon.

DES is more common in women, especially after menopause. Dry eye can occur in climates with dry air as well as with the use of some drugs such as antihistamines, nasal decongestants, tranquilizers, and anti-depressant drugs. Be sure to let Dr. Schneider know if you are taking any of these drugs.

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment

Preservative-free artificial tears, available over the counter, are often first recommended to manage DES. Sterile ointments, used at night to help prevent the eye from drying are prescribed for more severe cases. A person experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome or wishing to avoid dry eyes may also want to consider using humidifiers, wearing sunglasses when outside, and avoiding sleeping under ceiling fans.

For people with severe cases of dry eye, prescription eye drops such as Restasis can be obtained by Dr. Schneider. Another alternative that Dr. Schneider may consider in severe cases of dry eye syndrome is the temporary or permanent closure of the tear drain (small openings at the inner corner of the eyelids where tears drain from the eye).

TriCounty Eye Institute offers comprehensive eye care and skin care to residents of Corona, CA, Riverside, CA, the Inland Empire, and Orange County. Our family of eye care and cosmetic specialists is specially trained and qualified to help you enjoy a lifetime of clear vision and skin with breakthroughs in cataract surgery, the latest in laser vision correction procedures, and the most advanced technology in skin care.